The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) has terminated the employment of Officer Mindy Cardwell following the accidental shooting of a man during a traffic stop last month, a decision underscored by the release of graphic bodycam footage; this entire incident raising longstanding questions about police protocol and accountability. On December 13, 2024, Jason Arrington was stopped for running a red light when the situation escalated unexpectedly, leading to his shooting.

As per the video, which the public accessed through First Coast News, Cardwell was attempting to remove Arrington's legally owned gun when it discharged and wounded him in the leg. The footage shows officers calling for rescue, applying a tourniquet to the gunshot wound, Lowry had earlier thanked Arrington for his forthrightness about carrying a firearm which did little to prevent the unfolding of the ensuing violence.

According to News4Jax, an Internal Affairs investigation found Cardwell guilty of incompetence in a case that again spotlights the fine line officers must walk between due diligence and the unnecessary use of force, especially when a driver is known to be legally armed; Arrington is now pursuing a lawsuit against JSO.

Action News Jax confirms that Officer Cardwell was the one who initiated the traffic stop near the intersection of 27th Street and Main Street.